Learn the basics of essay writing with the help of simple and straightforward presentations. This one focuses on the building blocks of the essay's introductory paragraph: the subject and the thesis.

1. Chapter 1
The Introduction

2.  Two important points:
 a short piece of writing
 on a particular subject

3.  The general structure of an essay is:
- Introduction (to the topic)
- Body (contains ideas relevant to topic)
- Conclusion (summarize key points)

4.  This presentation will focus on the
introductory part of your essay.
 Introduction = a short paragraph, consisting
of a couple of sentences, presenting the
subject of the essay.

5.  Identify the subject in the sample essay
topics below:
 Everyone should get a hobby.
 Dogs make the best pets.
 The best book I have read.
 Cycling in big cities is dangerous.
 Learning a second language is difficult.

6.  The introduction contains the thesis statement
(or thesis for short).
 What is a thesis:
 Thesis = the main idea of your writing.

7.  A Subject is the general thing you are talking
about.
 A Thesis is what aspect of that thing you are
talking about specifically.
You write the thesis yourself, after you have
properly identified the subject.
 Please note:
 The thesis is usually located in the last
sentence of the introductory paragraph.

8.  Everyone should get a hobby.
 The general thing (subject) is hobbies and the
specific thing (thesis) should argue why
everyone should get a hobby
 Here is an example of a thesis, based on that
essay topic and subject:
- Getting a hobby will help you take your
mind off work, relax, and make you happy.

9.  Dogs make the best pets.
 e.g. thesis
- When it comes to pets, dogs are the best
choice because they are loyal companions that
make you laugh and encourage you to live an
active lifestyle.

10.  Learning a second language is difficult.
 e.g. thesis: - Learning a second language is
difficult because it requires a lot of studying,
memorization and practice.

11.  A thesis usually has three supporting ideas
that ‘defend’ it.
 The supporting ideas are included in the body
of your essay.
 We will discuss the body of the essay in the
next chapter.

12.  www.goodgradesfactory.com